How many use a Model M as their main keyboard?

[1391406]

Just wondering.

I recently purchased a Filco MJ2 (Browns) because I wanted to try something different, and although it is a lot different and I like the feel, I still find myself preferring the Model M ... but that's just me.

[dorkvader]

I don't: Unicomp FTW.

I still prefer it to all my cherry boards, though they're growing on m. Also, if I need a break form the super heavy BS, it's really nice to go to brown or red for a bit.

Welcome to geekhack!

[Krunchy]

I use a model M as my main keyboard.

Then again, I still want to try several different switches like the MX clears or reds or Topres, so that may change.  Until then, buckling springs all the way!

[CyberDave]

I use a Unicomp 104 key USB model at work on a daily basis. It's been great, but I recently got a Das Keyboard II with Cherry MX Blues and have been using it at home for a while...I think I like it more than the Unicomp and am contemplating getting another MX Blue keyboard for work.

Still have a stash of vintage Model Ms that are sitting mostly unused, though...now that I use a Mac almost exclusively at home and at work, I find I really need that third modifier key.

[demik]

using my SSK as my main keyboard right now.

although i really do like my blues, the click/sound of a model m is so much nicer IMO.

[jpm804]

I rotate my SSK into my line up... one of my favorite boards when I want some clicky action.

[Thagarr]

I agree 1391406, there is nothing like the feel of typing on a vintage Model M! I have used many, many boards over the last 30+ years, but the IBM Model M set the standard for me.

Alas, I had to give mine up for an LED backlit board, currently a Ducky Shining with MX Blues. The Blues feel pretty good to type on, the closest I have found to buckling springs, but I still prefer the feel of a Model M. Unicomp needs to get their collective heads out of their asses and backlight a buckling spring board!

[SidusNare]

I use my Model M at work, don't want to leave anything more expensive at the cube farm.

My home keyboard is my Northgate OmniKey gold label when its in a good mood or my Leopold when it's not. The Omnikey's controller needs a swap, need to take a look at those teensey swapouts.

[patrickgeekhack]

I have tried, but gave up for the following reasons:

- It's loud. Although my coworkers don't complain, I can sense that they don't like it.
- My fingers get tired very quickly.

So for now, I alternate between my AEK and my AEK II.

[Hak Foo]

At work, I use a 122 M with a Soarer adaptor.  This replaced a G80-8200 with Clears (bleah) and a 1391401 (I actually use the Windows keys!)

At home, I've been riding a Ducky 1008XM for now.

[demik]

Unicomp needs to get their collective heads out of their asses and backlight a buckling spring board!

I hope that never happens.

[fossala]

I used to use my Model M every day but it started to hurt my fingers, I know I'm a wimp.

[cactux]

^ If so you are not the only one ;-), me 2

[MoreGin]

Model M is my daily driver at home. I've thought about taking it to work but didn't want to sacrifice home use for work where I don't type as much. Recently got another Model M locally off Craigslist and a Filco TKL with MX Browns that I bought thanks to this forum! Just got it the other day but was too busy this weekend to give a test drive. Ideally I want a SSK but that's on hold for awhile since I just bought the Filco.

[Thagarr]

I hope that never happens.

I doubt you have much to worry about demik, it took them 15 years to redesign their web page.

[mich]

Another 122k M user here.

BTW, why would anyone want a backlit keyboard?

[Thagarr]

Why would anyone want a tenkeyless? Why would anyone want Alps over Cherry's or buckling springs? Why would anyone want blank keys or a Dvorac layout? Personal preference. Since your so curious mich, in my case, I do 95% of my typing and gaming at night and I usually have the lights off. I am no touch typist and my eyes aren't what they used to be, backlit keys are much easier for me to see at a glance.

But before we get too far off topic, I used a Model M as my primary board for almost 20 years, and my fingers greatly miss the solid unmistakable feedback they provided.

[slueth]

You should learn to touch type, it is a good investment in time.

[weatherman]

I use a Lexmark Model M at home...It just feels so great after typing on keyboards at work.  Clack clack clack

[Surly73]

I use my model M 1397599 as a daily driver at the office.  Ready to switch to browns or Topre for a while though.

[Deverica Wolf]

I used to use a Unicomp but the full-size killed my hands. Now I just use it for articles.

[Thinkpad Fan]

I use a Black M13 (Trackpoint II) at work and Love It.  

IBM "M" Series - Accept No Substitutes!

If you want a lighter feel in a Model M - get a 94 or later Lexmark built board, or a Unicomp.  From the ten or so examples I own, later is lighter - and Unicomp is really very, very good in this regard.  My Boss is going to order me a new Unicomp EnduraPro - once I explained about buckling springs and why they are better for your hands than a rubber dome.  TPF

[False_Dmitry_II]

I don't have a main keyboard. I do have one that is in my rotation though. It is one of my two boards that is now more or less legendless.

[fohat.digs]

Model Ms are great, but now that I have a Model F 122-key terminal board (actually 3 of them) working with Soarer's Teensy process (and some keys remapped (how will I ever fix NumLock and Pause?) to simulate something very close to the standard M layout), I have to say that they are the cream of the cream and I am utterly spoiled.

I recently did a primo meticulous bolt-mod on a super-clean 1390131 that came out magnificently, and was thoroughly enjoying the King of Keyboards until a couple of days ago when I went back to the Emperor of the Galaxy, and I have to say that there is no contest.

Everything about the F is on a whole different level, sound, feel, weight, the only downside is the acres of footprint that it occupies.

My F AT is nice, but I really use the Numpad, home cluster, AND arrow keys, so the small layout just doesn't work for me.

For me, the effort of the conversion was easily justified to get the capacitive switches (I don't game so the NKRO does not mean anything to me) and the exquisite light feel, but I would not bother with a 122-M conversion, because I look at the "classic" M layout as the ideal. Of the 20 extra keys, I really like a second F pad on the left, but the others are just toss-offs like "Mute"

[Malerik]

Unicomp SpaceSaver with custom black on black printed keys as primary gaming and desk top keyboard. A bit noisy but still far and away the best board I have ever owned.

[czarek]

I tried using Model Ms (full size and Space Saving) and even Model F Terminal as a main keyboard over last year but adapters and remappings drove me crazy so I decided to go back to Unicomp. Got myself Mac Spacesaver so there is no more adapters and no more remapping (apart from Caps Lock -> Control, which is done in system prefs so no hassle with remapping tools). The feel is slightly different than IBM but not much, and can't say it's better or worse, just a bit different.
Oh and there is no way I go back into cherryland. Buckling Sprigs are the best for me.

[DrSchlock]

I use a model M as my main keyboard at work. I went through several keyboards but found the M laying out in the hall a few months ago.  I love it and have been using it ever since. Luckily my office mates put up with it Now I just need to replace some of the missing key caps.

[Thinkpad Fan]

DrSchlock, ClickyKeyboards can sell you the keycaps you need.  If it is not a large order, email him and I believe he can do standard mail to make it cheaper to ship them.  TPF

[wompwomp]

I use a Black M13 (Trackpoint II) at work and Love It.  

IBM "M" Series - Accept No Substitutes!

If you want a lighter feel in a Model M - get a 94 or later Lexmark built board, or a Unicomp.  From the ten or so examples I own, later is lighter - and Unicomp is really very, very good in this regard.  My Boss is going to order me a new Unicomp EnduraPro - once I explained about buckling springs and why they are better for your hands than a rubber dome.  TPF

Unicomp's buckling springs are lighter than standard buckinling springs? If so, by how many grams of force?

[czarek]

Unicomp's buckling springs are lighter than standard buckinling springs? If so, by how many grams of force?

I wouldn't say they're lighter. They feel a bit different though. Also some keyboards (pearl grey keycaps) come with 2 piece keys which feel a bit lighter than the other (black and silver) keyboards that come with single piece keycaps. Sound and feel between those types is also slightly different.

[Mayor Winters]

I use my Model M as the main keyboard whatsoever. However I switch it with the Cherry MX boards, such as the Filco or the G80, but the 80% of the time the keyboard which is on my desk is the IBM one

I just LOVE the BS.

[Thinkpad Fan]

The difference in "weight" and feel is definite, and for me, I think I like the latter (post 93) Lexmark and current Unicomps jiust a shade better than my previous favorite late 1980's Model Ms.  I was prepared for buyer's regret on some good deals on a white M13 and a 2004 Unicomp - and was very pleasantly surprised - they are top of the heap, now.  TPF